There are legal rules governing the creation of a marriage.Explain the manner of contracting a valid marriage in Tanzania??

In Tanzania, a valid marriage can be contracted in the following manner:

1. Consent: Both parties must freely consent to the marriage without any form of coercion or duress. Consent is a fundamental requirement for a valid marriage.

2. Age: Both parties must be of legal age to marry. The legal age for marriage in Tanzania is 18 years old. However, with parental consent, individuals as young as 15 years old can marry.

3. Registration: The marriage must be registered with the Registrar of Marriages in Tanzania. This can be done at the local district office or at the Registrar General's office in Dar es Salaam.

4. Ceremony: A marriage ceremony must be conducted according to the customs and traditions of the parties involved. This can include a religious ceremony, a civil ceremony, or a combination of both.

5. Witnesses: Two witnesses must be present at the marriage ceremony and must sign the marriage certificate as witnesses to the marriage.

6. Prohibited relationships: Parties must not be closely related by blood or marriage. In Tanzania, marriages between close relatives, such as siblings, parents and children, and first cousins, are prohibited.

7. Polygamy: In Tanzania, polygamy is legal for men, but only if the first wife consents to it. A man must obtain permission from the court before marrying a second wife.

By following these rules and requirements, a marriage in Tanzania can be considered valid and legally recognized.

Manner of Contracting a Valid Marriage in Tanzania

According to the Marriage Act (Cap. 29) of Tanzania, a valid marriage must be contracted in one of the following ways:

1. Christian Marriage:

- Performed by a registered minister of a Christian denomination recognized by the government.
- Must be conducted in accordance with the rites of the particular denomination.
- Requires the presence of two witnesses.

2. Islamic Marriage (Nikah):

- Conducted by a registered Kadhi (Islamic judge).
- Requires the consent of the bride and groom and the presence of two male witnesses.
- Must be registered with the Kadhi's office.

3. Customary Marriage:

- Performed according to the customs and traditions of the parties' tribe or community.
- Must be recognized as a valid marriage by the local customary law.
- The consent of the parties and the presence of witnesses are required.

4. Civil Marriage:

- Performed by a Magistrate or Registrar of Marriages.
- Requires the parties to be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
- Must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Marriage Act.
- The presence of two witnesses is required.

General Requirements for All Marriages:

- Consent of the parties: Both the bride and groom must freely and voluntarily consent to the marriage.
- Minimum age: The minimum age for marriage is 18 years.
- Prohibition of incest: Marriages between close relatives (e.g., siblings) are prohibited.
- Capacity to marry: The parties must be of sound mind and not under the influence of intoxication or coercion.
- Registration: All marriages, except customary marriages, must be registered with the relevant authority (Registrar of Marriages, Kadhi's office, or Magistrate).

Additional Notes:

- The Marriage Act recognizes both monogamous and polygamous marriages. However, polygamy is only allowed for men who meet certain conditions.
- Marriages contracted in accordance with the laws of another country may be recognized as valid in Tanzania if they meet the essential requirements of Tanzanian law.

what is the valid marriage